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Sky Train scandal: Prof Ameyaw-Akumfi fails to appear in court over medical emergency
Former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), Prof Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, failed to appear before the High Court on Tuesday, May 20, on grounds of ill-health in the ongoing trial regarding the controversial Accra Sky Train project, which allegedly cost the state $2 million.
His legal representative, Duke Aaron Sasu, informed the court that his client’s absence was due to a medical emergency.
According to Mr Sasu, the former Education Minister under the erstwhile Kufuor administration, was rushed to the emergency ward of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in the early hours of Tuesday.
The specific nature of Prof Ameyaw-Akumfi’s medical condition remains unclear.
However, his legal team has expressed hope for his full recovery and readiness to face trial in due course.
This incident follows an earlier explanation offered on 13th May, when the plea of Prof Akumfi’s co-accused, former CEO of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, Solomon Asamoah, was taken.
On that occasion, counsel for Prof Akumfi told the court that the academic and statesman had recently undergone surgery at UGMC, making him unfit to appear in court.
Hearing has been adjourned to May 26.
Prof Akumfi has been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, specifically, wilfully causing financial loss to the Republic.
The charges, brought under Sections 23(1) and 179A(3)(a) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), relate to a US$2 million payment made in 2019 to Africa Investor Holdings Limited.
The payment was intended to support the development of an urban Skytrain system in Accra, an initiative that was never realised.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
The New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, on Wednesday held a staff get-together to commemorate the Ghana Month celebration.
The event was also to strengthen teamwork and bonding. It was attended by management members and staff from various departments.
The staff were engaged in activities such as apple eating, musical chairs competition, pick and act, and other interesting games.
Speaking at the gathering, the Chairperson of the Corporation’s Interim Management Committee (IMC), Dr (Mrs) Charity Binka, emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving organisational goals. She urged the staff to put aside their differences, work together, and also create a positive working environment.
In a welcome address, the Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina Naa-Maku Quaitoo, urged the staff to have fun as “we climax the Ghana Month celebration with this get-together.”
The Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times, Mr David Adadevoh, commended the staff for coming out in their numbers to join in the celebration and called for unity to transform the fortunes of the Corporation.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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A medical expert has cautioned that while misuse of herbal medicines can contribute to kidney damage, they are not the leading cause of kidney disease.
Dr Prince Mawutor, a researcher at the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, told the Ghana News Agency that the leading causes of kidney disease remained high blood pressure, diabetes, exposure to toxic substances, arteriosclerosis and genetic factors.
He said both herbal and orthodox medicines could be beneficial when used appropriately but harmful when abused.
“Any medication can become toxic if taken in excess. Once it accumulates in the body beyond safe levels, it can damage vital organs, including the kidneys,” he stated.
Dr Mawutor cautioned that improper use of herbal medicines, particularly unregulated or unapproved ones, increased the risk of kidney damage.
He stressed the importance of purchasing only approved herbal products, noting that regulatory bodies ensured such medicines underwent safety and toxicity testing before reaching the market.
Dr Mawutor advised the public to check for proper labelling when buying herbal products, including product name, list of ingredients, usage instructions and traceable contact information.
Dr Mawutor urged individuals to consult qualified health professionals or certified medical herbalists before using any herbal medicine, especially when combining them with orthodox treatments.
He warned that self-medication and purchasing herbal products from roadside vendors posed serious health risks.
“If you are unwell, it is always best to visit a hospital and follow the proper medical process. A qualified medical herbalist can guide you on safe herbal options and how to integrate them with conventional treatment,” he said.
Dr Mawutor noted that the Food and Drugs Authority did not approve products sold in informal settings, such as from vehicles or on the streets, as they were unlikely to have undergone proper clinical trials.
He highlighted the role of regulatory institutions, including the Traditional Medicine Practice Council and the Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists, in ensuring safe production and use of herbal medicines.
Dr Mawutor acknowledged that although some patients with kidney complications had reported improvements after using herbal remedies, not all herbal medicines could cure every disease. –GNA
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